CD: Souvenir

SOUVENIR
Euphonium: Misa Mead
Piano: Benjamin Powell
Bocchino: BOCC 127
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Misa Mead further expands her recording portfolio with Souvenir - a satisfying collection of euphonium solo repertoire, featuring a wide range of musical styles.

The disc bursts into life with a well-handled classic Flight of the Bumblebee, before Misa reveals the expressive side of her playing admirably, with a clear, singing tone, in Vaughn-Williams’s Silent Noon. Suite Breve dans le gout classique, by Alfred Desenclos, changes the style once again - the cultured collection of four musical miniatures delivered with due poise.

Bert Appermont’s The Green Hill makes for particularly pleasant listening, with its charming Celtic-inspired melody and animated dancing passages, whilst in contrast Adagio Op. 38, from the pen of Woldemar Bargiel, is an exercise in stately control and performed with an air of refinement.

Benjamin Powell’s quite excellent piano accompaniment contribution is evident throughout the disc, though, especially in Matthew Jackfert’s three-movement work, Appalachian Impressions: Sonata for Euphonium. The listener is instantly drawn into the shimmering atmosphere of I: Autumn at Grist Mill and the evocative flowing lines of II: A Train Through Snowy Thurmond. Misa and Benjamin work enthusiastically together as the work draws to an unashamedly boisterous close with III: Hootenanny.

La Gruta, by Diego Ninerola, provides another substantial, yet engaging work in which Misa delivers the contrasting styles with conviction. The Moon Over a Ruined Castle by Rentaro Taki, meanwhile, provides an interesting, unaccompanied work - the flexible, flowing passages allowing the soloist much scope for interpretation. Misa’s compositional skills are then demonstrated in her very own Concertino, contrasting an attractive melodic figure with joyful florid lines and a cadenza of extremes. Lastly, Fernando Deddos’ Ratata! offers something a little different, featuring driving rhythmic lines, enhanced by percussion, multi-phonics and even shouting!

The notably fine selection of repertoire in Souvenir is a treat for the listener, though whilst the disc is agreeably presented, more information about these works would enhance the experience. A well-gauged balance between the euphonium and piano throughout the recording makes for clear listening. In all, an enjoyable solo album that further establishes Misa Mead’s growing reputation as a fine euphonium soloist.
 
THOMAS DUNNE

 
This review appeared in the December 2018 edition of BBW. For more reviews, articles and news subscribe to BBW Digital, available to read online (annual subscription: £30), or subscribe to BBW's printed magazine delivered by post: £40 (UK); £68 (Europe); £81 (Rest of the World). Alternatively, receive both the Digital and printed editions combined: £55 (UK); £83 (Europe); £96 (rest of the world) - saving 50% on the Digital edition! Click here to subscribe!